What is a significant environmental concern for North Dakota?

Water quality and pollution are significant environmental concerns for North Dakota due to the state's reliance on agriculture, livestock production, and energy extraction. The agricultural practices often lead to runoff, which can introduce fertilizers, pesticides, and sediment into local water bodies, affecting both surface water and groundwater quality. Additionally, industrial activities such as oil extraction can contribute to pollution incidents that threaten drinking water sources and aquatic life.

As North Dakota's population and industrial activities increase, monitoring and addressing water quality becomes crucial to ensure sustainable practices that protect both human health and the environment. This concern is particularly relevant as the state experiences broader impacts from climate change, which can further alter precipitation patterns and water availability, thus exacerbating the challenges related to water quality.